Lydia Mugambe, a former Columbia University fellow and United Nations judge, has been convicted of human trafficking, specifically for modern slavery offences in the UK. According to the Thames Valley Police report, Mugambe was found guilty on March 13, involving offences such as illegal immigration facilitation and forcing a woman to undertake unpaid work.
The police received a report on February 10, 2023, indicating the victim was being held in servitude by Mugambe, who had organised her travel to the UK and subsequently exploited her as a domestic maid and nanny. Prosecutors charged Mugambe with having “exploited and abused” her victim by preventing her from seeking external employment.
A former fellow at Columbia’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights in 2017, Mugambe once led a project aimed at supporting women and children in Northern Uganda who suffered significant human rights violations. Her sentencing is expected in May.
Local officials highlighted Mugambe’s legal expertise, noting that she abused her judicial authority to exploit the victim. Despite her attempts to argue for diplomatic immunity, it was confirmed that such protections were waived by the United Nations. Mugambe’s profile on the UN website states her engagement with human rights and children’s rights advocacy, marking a stark contrast to her recent actions.
Lydia Mugambe, a former UN judge and Columbia fellow, was convicted of human trafficking and modern slavery offences in the UK. The Thames Valley Police confirmed she facilitated illegal immigration and forced a woman into unpaid domestic work. Despite her background in human rights, Mugambe exploited her position of power. She will be sentenced in May after efforts to claim diplomatic immunity were denied.
The conviction of Lydia Mugambe serves as a striking reminder of how power can be manipulated for personal gain, even among those trained to uphold justice. Her transformation from a human rights advocate to a perpetrator of modern slavery underscores the need for ongoing vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals. The forthcoming sentencing will further reveal the consequences of her actions in stark contrast to her legal acumen and previous humanitarian efforts.
Original Source: www.campusreform.org
